It was an NBA season unlike any other, so it only makes sense that the 2020 NBA Draft should be a bit different too.
Not only is Wednesday’s draft going to be virtual, like most things nowadays, but the scouting and preparation for the NBA Draft has been limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. That could mean plenty of surprises, which translates to value for NBA Draft betting.
These are our 2020 NBA Draft best bets and predictions for November 18.
Will LaMelo Ball Get Drafted No. 1 Overall?
The NBA Draft betting odds are projecting Ball to be the first overall pick, priced as a favorite between -175 and -210 at various sportsbooks.
Talent-wise, the 6-foot-7 point guard offers the versatility NBA teams are looking for these days. Baggage-wise, the 19-year-old has already starred in a reality series, has his own clothing line, and of course, is the son of renowned windbag LaVar Ball. But I don’t think that will scare off potential suitors.
Last week, Ball worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who hold the No. 1 pick, but he’s not a perfect fit for the T-Wolves. Minnesota has a ball-dominant PG in D’Angelo Russell, which it acquired in a trade with Golden State in February, and could really use some wing scoring to complement Russell and standout center Karl-Anthony Towns.
That makes Georgia product Anthony Edwards a much tighter seal given the Timberwolves’ current roster. Edwards, who averaged 19 points per game as a freshman, is a much better plug-and-play option for Minnesota and has slid to the top of many late mock drafts heading into the week.
PREDICTION: First overall pick: Anthony Edwards (+155)
James Wiseman Draft Position: Over/Under 2.5
Wiseman is a nice piece to the Warriors’ 2020-21 redemption story, giving the franchise a talented big man to build on in the future and currently complement the remaining pieces of the Golden State dynasty.
There are rumblings of the Warriors trading this pick away and an aura of mystery around Wiseman, who played just three games at Memphis before being ruled ineligible. However, he’s worked hard to maintain his draft stock off the court, sculpting his once slender frame into an NBA-ready physique, and the demand for elite centers is on the rise across the league.
Even if Golden State deals the No. 2 selection, there’s a good shot whoever made the move will be seeking the 7-foot-1 two-way talents of Wiseman. Playing Under 2.5 on his draft position is a solid bet, especially if Ball doesn’t go No. 1 overall.
PREDICTION: James Wiseman draft position: Under 2.5 (-105)
Tyrese Haliburton Draft Position: Over/Under 7.5
Combing the NBA mock drafts, the one name that seems to be gaining buzz and making significant moves up the board is the former Iowa State guard. Haliburton did it all for the Cyclones and contributes on both ends of the floor. At 6-foot-5, he’s able to play multiple perimeter positions and is one of the better 3-point shooters on the board.
Some mocks have him going Top 5 (as high as No. 4 to Chicago) while others have him selected at No. 6 by Atlanta. However, there are other projections putting him in New York with pick No. 8. In a draft with extra uncertainty, Haliburton is one of the few safe picks available and that’s attractive to teams like the Bulls, Cavaliers, Hawks, and Pistons.
PREDICTION: Tyrese Haliburton draft position: Under 7.5 (-144)
No. 4 Overall Pick
The majority of mock drafts have Deni Avdija going to the Bulls with the fourth pick overall. Avdija comes in heavily touted as a versatile player that plugs many of the holes in the Chicago lineup, with comparisons to Mavericks standout Luka Doncic (which happens with every international player now) but taller.
Whether those comparisons are warranted or not, the 6-foot-9 tweener out of Israel could find a soft spot with new Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas, who gravitated towards international talents when he was in charge of the Nuggets. There are Over/Under props on Avdija’s draft position, with Under 4.5 priced at -140, but he’s not cracking the Top 3. This selection feels secure and is paying plus-money.
PREDICTION: No. 4 overall pick: Deni Avdija (+184)
Where Can I Bet on NBA Draft Odds?
Most online books and casinos offer bets on the NBA Draft. Check out the best sportsbooks available where you live.
